Regaining Classical Music's Relevance

In this volume, pioneering composer and Cambridge University alumnus John Borstlap explores the burning question of Western classical music’s relevance in a troubled modern world. Why have classical music at all? Is it elitist, or racist, or misogynistic? Should it adapt to modern needs – and, if so, what are they? While Western classical music is booming in Latin America and East Asia, in the West, performers, orchestras, opera houses, promotors, managements, and educators are struggling to explain why this type of music belongs to society as an important common good. What does classical music do to the listener? What is its relationship with Nature, and human nature? Practitioners and music lovers will find in this book a thorough analysis of these problems, a surprising relationship between music and the human mind, and suggestions for solutions which will help to affirm the art form as one of the great achievements of humanity.